Pilates is a system of movement developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 20th century that emphasizes using the "core" (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region) to perform flexibility, muscular strength and endurance movements in a low-impact manner.

Consisting of a series of almost 500 precisely designed movements performed on a mat or specially designed equipment, Pilates is functional, working several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion. A holistic discipline that integrates the relationship between body and mind, it is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session.